Funds sought for chapel rebuild at Christchurch Carmel

In a fundraising video on YouTube, Sr Catherine of Christ OCD said the chapel has to be rebuilt, and the cost is considerable. A fundraising page on the monastery website stated that $3 million would need to be raised.

Sr Catherine said the current chapel, “built in 1933 by our founding sisters . . . was never intended to be the permanent chapel”.

“The chapel has poor insulation, and so is cold for worshippers, and is not fire compliant – requiring extensive, expensive upgrading,” she said. “There are also increasing maintenance costs due to age.”

Sr Catherine said the chapel is not wide enough, with a very narrow centre aisle. That makes large gatherings, including solemn vows, more difficult. It is also challenging to bring a coffin in during Mass.

“We believe the time has come for a new chapel – a comfortable, warm, beautiful place for the congregation to worship, mourn and celebrate,” Sr Catherine said.

She spoke about the life of prayer and work at the monastery, noting that, “according to the tradition of our holy mother, St Teresa of Jesus, we are sustained by the income of our work and alms that are freely given”.

“However, our work, which includes making altar breads, repairing statues, painting candles, making altar linens and rosaries, is not sufficient to cover the expenses of a large building project,” Sr Catherine said.

The YouTube video is a key part of the fundraising, she added, as the Sisters’ life of prayer means they cannot go out and fundraise. She asked that the video be shared if viewers know of people who could be donors.

As of February 7, the funds raised for the chapel rebuild stood at $502,247, leaving almost $2.5 million still needed. 

In a letter dated January 13, Christchurch Bishop Michael Gielen said the chapel is essential for sustaining the Sisters’ life of contemplative prayer.

“I warmly invite all who are able to consider contributing to this effort,” Bishop Gielen wrote. “Let us take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude for all the Sisters have offered – to our community, our diocese, and the Church – through their faithful, hidden life of prayer and sacrifice.”

More information on making a gift, including recognition opportunities, can be found at www.christchurchcarmel.org.nz

FULL STORY

Chapel Rebuild at the Carmelite Monastery in Christchurch (Christchurch Carmelites/YouTube)

CHAPEL REBUILD – Carmelite Monastery Christchurch (Christchurch Carmelites)

Carmelite Monastery Christchurch (Christchurch Carmelites)